Any newcomers putting down roots in Tauranga and the Western Bay of Plenty are invited to two events on two days this month.

A picnic celebration will be held on September 13 in Pāpāmoa, and planting a tree will happen in the ‘Welcoming Forest’ at Tect Park on September 14.

“We think that the Welcoming Week organised by the Welcoming Communities is a great week to make newcomers feel welcome and learn more about the rohe,” Multicultural Tauranga president Premila D’Mello said.

“For two years we’ve been contributing to this week-long effort by hosting a Multicultural Picnic for migrant children and their families.”

The Multicultural Picnic is on Saturday, September 13 from 10.30am to 2.30pm at Pāpāmoa Sports & Recreation Centre at Gordon Spratt Reserve.

D’Mello said the free event offers newcomers a welcoming opportunity to meet other migrant families.

“Attendees are encouraged to bring a plate of picnic food but there will be picnic food provided by Multicultural Tauranga for children and families,” D’Mello said.

“We are collaborating with Volunteering Services, who will be providing some entertainment and a very Kiwi sausage sizzle for the event. There will also be free candy floss, face painting, cultural games and lots of prizes.”

Multicultural Tauranga manager Premila D'Mello. Photo / Brydie Thompson

Everyone is welcome to join – people should register on the Multicultural Tauranga Facebook event page encouraged for health and safety and catering reasons.

“Our events like the Multicultural Picnic often lead to life-long friendships and meaningful connections, as people from both similar and diverse cultural backgrounds come together and form lasting bonds,” D’Mello said. “These relationships help newcomers feel more settled and supported in the Bay of Plenty.”

The Welcoming Forest Planting Day, run by Western Bay District Council, is on Sunday, September 14 from 10am to 12pm at Tect Park.

“Over time, this forest will continue to grow, and you can come back to visit your tree. Whether you’ve moved here from overseas, or from elsewhere in NZ, everyone is welcome,” the council said in a statement.

A bus will be available for up to 40 people, which will leave from the Historic Village, 17th Ave, Tauranga, at 9.15am, and return by 12.30pm. The event starts 10am.

Poep can also make their own way to Tect All Terrain Park located on SH36, halfway between Tauranga and Rotorua. Registration for the event is at: https://tinyurl.com/3uhb4nt4